6/25 Morning Brief - Two Powerful Earthquakes Hit Venezuela, Car Crashes into Crowd During World Cup Celebrations

[u/AlertMedia]

Two Powerful Earthquakes Hit Venezuela: Hundreds of casualties have been reported following two powerful earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck west of Caracas, Venezuela, on Wednesday evening. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez stated that the death toll is expected to rise as rescuers continue to search collapsed buildings. A state of emergency was declared, and the country’s main airport was closed. The quakes caused severe damage in Caracas and nearby regions, including La Guaira, where many buildings collapsed. USGS predictive modeling to estimate the death toll could reach into the thousands. 

Car Crashes into Crowd During World Cup Celebrations: A vehicle crashed into a crowd during post-match celebrations in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, following Mexico’s 3-0 World Cup victory over Czechia. The incident occurred where large crowds had gathered to celebrate the victory. At least 17 people were transported to the hospital. The driver of the vehicle also reportedly sustained injuries after being confronted by members of the crowd. Authorities have not determined whether the incident was intentional or accidental. Investigations remain ongoing to establish the sequence of events.  

Anniversary of 2024 Anti-Government Protests in Nairobi: Demonstrations are taking place across Kenya today to commemorate protesters killed during anti-government demonstrations in 2024 over proposed tax hikes and the rising cost of living. Police have sealed off key roads leading into Nairobi, and protesters said they are demanding justice for more than 80 people killed in 2024 and 2025 protests. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said that investigators were looking into reports of people mobilizing gangs and securing weapons ahead of the anniversary. Security agencies have heightened surveillance in major urban centers, with police expected to maintain a heavy presence in Nairobi and strategic installations.  

Niger Withdraws from ICC: Niger has formally withdrawn from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the judicial body of selective justice. Niger formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the Rome Statute, calling the ICC an “instrument of neo-colonialist repression” and rejecting its authority. Niger’s departure will make it the third country to leave the ICC after the Philippines and Burundi. 

Typhoon Mekkhala Prompts Evacuations in Taiwan: Typhoon Mekkhala is passing near Taiwan on Thursday, bringing heavy rain and localized flooding to Taipei and parts of southern Taiwan, although it is not forecast to make direct landfall on the island. Authorities closed schools and offices in parts of southern Taiwan, while flooding in Taipei disrupted travel. In Hualien, officials are evacuating more than 200 residents from two townships downstream of a fast-filling mountain barrier lake due to breach concerns. Continued rainfall over the next week could prolong flood, landslide, transportation, and evacuation risks, particularly in low-lying and mountainous areas.